Youths claim victory over Athlone Town

By Dean Goodison

Aidan Friel in action for Wexford Youths against his former club on Monday night. Photo: Ashley Cahill/AC Sports ImagesAidan Friel in action for Wexford Youths against his former club on Monday night. Photo: Ashley Cahill/AC Sports ImagesConor English holds off a challenge from Jack Tuite during Mondays Leinster Senior Cup win over Athlone Town. Photo: Ashley Cahill/AC Sports Images

Manager Shane Keegan made wholesale changes to the side that lost the league opener three days earlier and it took them a little while to gel as the hosts dominated the opening thirty minutes.

However, they couldn't find the net in that spell and Youths grew in confidence. Goalless at the break, Wexford upped the tempo in the second half and dominated.

With Aidan Friel and Andy Mulligan causing problems down the left, Wexford went close several times, including when Conor English clanked the post from the right edge of the penalty area.

With five minutes left Eric Molloy latched on to John Peare's pass to fire Youths ahead. Yet their joy was short-lived as Athlone equalised through David Cassidy in the 89th minute to force extra-time.

Furlong was introduced ten minutes into the first period of overtime for the injury Stephen Last and beat his marker twelve minutes later to nod English's corner to the Town net for Youths' winner.